Of course, now the technology sector is considered overbought. But don’t bail!

In the long term, technology remains the place to invest. Especially disruptive technology like I mentioned on Wednesday.

That being said, now might be a good time to trim up your stops to protect your profits in case the sector hits any unexpected bumps.

Proof of Innovation

Speaking of disruptive technologies, one reader responded to the same Wednesday article by asking, “Where’s the beef? Show me proof that ‘the innovation economy keeps chugging along,’ like you said.”

Ask and ye shall receive…

The surest sign of innovation is patents. Not patent applications, mind you, as companies can flood the system to distract and prevent competitors from getting a leg up. The key is to focus on actual patents granted.

And since 1985, the number of global patent grants has more than doubled.

Domestically, they’ve more than tripled.

Would you like some fries with that Double-Stack? How about a Frosty?

That’s it for today. Before you sign off, though, do us a favor. Let us know what you think about this weekly column – or any of our recent work at Wall Street Daily – by sending an email to feedback@wallstreetdaily.com, leaving a comment on our website, or catching us on Facebook or Google+.

Comments (1)

Thanks for all your articles, they are always useful and insightful. Your article today is great too, however I would be cautious about linking innovation with patent applications. Having been in the technology field for my entire career, I have a very low opinion of the patent system, to the point that the conclusion of the chart is actually opposite. Most patents today are applied for ideas that exist already, or obvious ideas. Patents on DVR are a good example, the concept was already invented with the VCR, but no, the patent office thought the DVR was innovation and today, high fees are paid out to different patent holders even though all they did is hire engineers that applied what they learned. What this means is that whenever we have an idea, we have to go check it against all the patents in the world and its a minefield. So instead of developing the product without worrying about prior patents, we don’t developt them and hence, do not provide customers with better products.

If you are a true inventor, be one like Steve Jobs, go all the way and make it available for everyone, in a way that no one can compete. That’s innovation. Anyone educated enough can come up with most ideas that are patented today.

This situation is worst in the USA, so because of it, american companies will be less successful worldwide, as they can’t come up with new products for their home market.

Donald Trump ran a campaign on hyperbole and vagueness. Now as he prepares to take office, we take a closer look at his contradictory statements on science to make sense of the future of our favored industries.

It’s easy to dismiss celebrities and politicians as having hidden agendas. On the other hand, scientists that uncover cold, hard facts, deserve our respect for their endeavors. But respect is not worship.